Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Peak Retirement Planning, Inc.

Location: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: September 4, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Inferred)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and create visually compelling marketing collateral, including brochures, event flyers, and digital advertisements, to support GTM initiatives.

• Develop engaging branded content for social media platforms, YouTube thumbnails, and email marketing campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and maximizing audience engagement.

• Collaborate closely with marketing and leadership teams to conceptualize and execute new visual campaigns, contributing to overall brand strategy and GTM efforts.

• Maintain and update existing design assets, optimizing them for clarity, engagement, and brand alignment to support ongoing marketing operations.

• Provide rapid design support for ad hoc requests and quick-turn graphic needs, demonstrating agility and responsiveness within a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a Graphic Designer, but its responsibilities heavily involve supporting marketing and GTM operations. The emphasis on "marketing materials," "digital ads," "social media," and "email campaigns" indicates a need for design skills directly tied to revenue generation and customer acquisition strategies. The "scaling startup" context suggests a dynamic environment where design directly impacts sales enablement and brand perception.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Marketing Collateral Design: Create high-impact graphics for brochures, event flyers, digital advertisements, and other marketing materials that align with GTM strategies and brand messaging.

• Digital Content Creation: Develop visually appealing content for social media channels (e.g., posts, stories), YouTube thumbnails, and email marketing campaigns to drive engagement and lead generation.

• Brand Consistency Management: Ensure all design deliverables adhere strictly to brand guidelines, maintaining a cohesive and professional brand identity across all touchpoints.

• Campaign Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with marketing and leadership teams to brainstorm, develop, and execute visual concepts for new marketing campaigns and initiatives.

• Asset Optimization: Update and refine existing design assets to improve clarity, visual appeal, and effectiveness, ensuring they meet current marketing objectives.

• Presentation & Internal Design: Assist in the layout and design of internal documents, reports, and presentations to enhance communication and data visualization for leadership and team members.

• Ad Hoc Design Support: Respond promptly to urgent and ad hoc design requests, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to supporting team needs.

• Trend Analysis: Stay abreast of current design trends, tools, and best practices, proactively suggesting improvements to the company's visual branding and design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a Graphic Designer but are framed here to highlight their direct impact on marketing operations and GTM objectives. The need to "support the team with quick-turn graphic needs and ad hoc design requests" points to a role that acts as a crucial operational support function for the marketing and sales teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record in creating marketing collateral and digital content, preferably within a fast-paced startup or growth-oriented environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential for creating a wide range of design assets.

• Graphic Design Expertise: Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition.

• Marketing Materials Design: Experience designing brochures, flyers, digital ads, and other collateral that effectively communicate marketing messages.

• Digital Content Creation: Proven ability to create engaging graphics for social media, YouTube, and email campaigns.

• Brand Consistency: Demonstrated ability to maintain and enforce brand guidelines across diverse design outputs.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective teamwork with marketing and leadership.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot design challenges and adapt to evolving project requirements.

• Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Editing Basics: Familiarity with basic video editing software for creating short promotional clips or social media video content.

• Motion Graphics: Experience with After Effects or similar tools for creating animated graphics or simple motion elements.

• Web Design Fundamentals: Basic understanding of UI/UX principles and web design best practices.

• Financial Services Industry Exposure: Familiarity with design considerations for the financial services or retirement planning sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "AI experience level" of 2-5 years is a reasonable inference for a role requiring proficiency in core Adobe Suite tools and the ability to independently produce marketing materials. The emphasis on "A+ Player," "Gritty," and "Gets things done" implies a need for individuals who can operate autonomously and take initiative, typical of a scaling startup.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Core Skills: A portfolio showcasing a strong command of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and proficiency in creating various marketing collateral types.

• Marketing Impact: Examples of designs that clearly supported marketing campaigns, drove engagement, or contributed to lead generation efforts, with quantifiable results if possible.

• Brand Adherence: Showcase projects where brand consistency was paramount, demonstrating an understanding of brand guidelines and their application.

• Versatility: Include a range of work, from print materials (brochures, flyers) to digital assets (social media graphics, email banners, digital ads).

• Process Clarity: Briefly explain the design process for key projects, highlighting problem identification, ideation, execution, and refinement stages.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to document design workflows for common marketing assets, from brief to final delivery, including approval stages.

• Asset Management: Understanding of how to organize and manage design assets for easy retrieval and reuse by the wider team.

• Feedback Integration: Examples of how feedback was incorporated into design iterations to improve final deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for a Graphic Designer. The emphasis on "marketing materials," "digital ads," and "brand consistency" suggests that the portfolio should highlight work directly contributing to GTM objectives and brand integrity. The "scaling startup" context implies a need for designers who can not only create but also manage and optimize assets efficiently.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar plan with potential company match.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences to enhance design skills and stay current with industry trends.

• Growth Opportunities: Potential for career advancement within a rapidly growing company.

• Team Events: Regular company-sponsored social events and team-building activities.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime during peak periods or critical campaign launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $45,000 - $60,000 is consistent with a Graphic Designer role in Columbus, Ohio, for someone with 2-5 years of experience. The benefits listed are standard for full-time positions in the US, with a focus on professional development and growth opportunities that align with the company's "Rocketship Mentality."

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Retirement Planning. Peak Retirement Planning, Inc. operates in a highly regulated and client-focused industry, requiring a blend of professionalism, trust, and clear communication.

Company Size: Rapidly scaling startup, currently employing over 60 individuals. This signifies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where roles can evolve and individuals often wear multiple hats.

Founded: Approximately 4 years ago, indicating a young, agile company culture driven by innovation and rapid growth.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing team, reporting to a Marketing Manager or Director.

• This team collaborates closely with Sales, Leadership, and potentially Client Services to ensure cohesive messaging and brand representation.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, especially in a startup where teams are lean and interdependent. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: While a creative role, design decisions will likely be informed by marketing analytics, A/B testing results, and client feedback to optimize campaign performance.

• Agile Workflow: Expect an agile approach to project management, with iterative design processes and quick feedback loops to adapt to market changes and business needs.

• Efficiency Focus: The company's rapid growth suggests a strong emphasis on efficiency and productivity, with a desire to automate or streamline processes where possible.

Company Website: peakretirementplanning.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description emphasizes rapid growth, intensity, and a highly selective hiring process. This suggests a culture that values high performers, hard work, and a strong commitment to the company's mission. The "A+ Player," "Foxhole Team Member," and "Rocketship Mentality" values are critical for candidates to understand and align with.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an early to mid-career opportunity within the Marketing & Creative Operations function. It's an individual contributor role focused on execution, but with significant potential for impact due to the company's growth trajectory.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director, who oversees GTM strategy and execution. This provides exposure to strategic planning while focusing on tactical design execution.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences the perception of Peak Retirement Planning, Inc. by clients, prospects, and potential employees. High-quality, consistent branding is crucial for building trust in the financial services sector and supporting sales efforts through effective marketing materials. Their design work is a key component of the overall GTM operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer/Art Director: With proven success and expanded responsibilities, advancement to a senior role or an art director position overseeing design projects and potentially junior designers.

• Marketing Specialist/Manager: Develop broader marketing skills and potentially transition into a more strategic marketing role, leveraging design expertise to inform campaign development.

• Brand Management: Opportunity to take on more ownership of brand guidelines and visual identity as the company continues to scale.

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific design areas relevant to financial services marketing, such as data visualization or interactive design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Rocketship Mentality" and "Lifer" aspirations highlighted by the company suggest that growth opportunities are likely significant for individuals who demonstrate commitment and high performance. This role is not just about design; it's about contributing to the growth of a rapidly scaling business.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role is based at their Columbus, Ohio office located at 3600 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214.

Office Location(s): Columbus, Ohio. This specific location is noted as being within Franklin County.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company culture emphasizes teamwork ("Foxhole Team Member"), suggesting a collaborative workspace where designers interact with marketing, sales, and leadership teams.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other project management or collaboration tools utilized by the company.

• Startup Energy: The environment is likely energetic and fast-paced, reflecting the company's status as a rapidly growing startup.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) are expected, but the "A+ Player" and "Gritty" culture may imply a willingness to put in extra hours when necessary to meet critical deadlines or support urgent business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" work arrangement is clearly stated. The company's emphasis on intensity and hard work suggests that while a standard work week is advertised, the expectation is for employees to be dedicated and proactive, potentially working beyond typical hours when required.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume and portfolio review to assess qualifications, design skills, and cultural fit.

• Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating their problem-solving approach and design execution.

• Behavioral Interviews: Interviews focusing on the company's core values ("A+ Player," "Foxhole Team Member," "Rocketship Mentality") to gauge grit, teamwork, and ambition.

• Team/Leadership Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues and leadership to assess collaboration style and alignment with the company's intensity and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Highlight projects where your design directly contributed to marketing success, lead generation, or brand building. Quantify results if possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for 1-2 key projects, explaining your rationale, creative choices, and problem-solving approach.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Include work that clearly demonstrates your ability to adhere to and evolve brand guidelines.

• Tailor to Peak: If possible, subtly tailor your portfolio presentation or highlight projects that align with the financial services industry or a fast-paced growth environment.

• Clarity & Conciseness: Present your work clearly and be ready to articulate your contributions concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand the objectives, target audience, and desired outcomes.

• Think Strategically: Consider how your design will serve the company's GTM goals and brand positioning.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively during the challenge, focusing on delivering a polished solution.

• Presentation Readiness: Prepare to present your solution, explaining your design choices and how they address the brief.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's selective hiring process ("we only hired 19 out of 5,400 applicants"), candidates should expect a rigorous interview process. Highlighting "grit," "hard work," and "results" in portfolio presentations and interview responses will be crucial for demonstrating alignment with their "A+ Player" and "Rocketship Mentality" values.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are explicitly required. Proficiency is non-negotiable.

• Graphic Design Software: Familiarity with other design tools may be beneficial but secondary to Adobe Suite.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Basic understanding of how design impacts website traffic and conversion rates (e.g., Google Analytics).

• Social Media Analytics: Familiarity with platform-specific analytics to understand engagement metrics for social media graphics.

CRM & Automation:

• Email Marketing Platforms: Experience designing within platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar, to ensure email campaign designs are technically feasible.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing design requests and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is Adobe Creative Suite. While other tools are beneficial for understanding the broader marketing operations context and impact, proficiency in the specified design software is the primary technical requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence ("A+ Player"): A relentless drive for high quality in all aspects of work, with a focus on achieving elite results and continuous self-improvement.

• Commitment ("Foxhole Team Member"): Unwavering loyalty and support for teammates and the company's mission, willing to go above and beyond to help others succeed.

• Ambition ("Rocketship Mentality"): Enthusiasm for rapid growth, embracing challenges, and a forward-thinking mindset focused on long-term success and personal development.

• Intensity & Grit: A high-energy approach to work, resilience in the face of challenges, and a persistent drive to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Servant Leadership: A willingness to support colleagues and clients with a "servant's heart," prioritizing collective success over individual recognition.

• Proactive Communication: Open and direct communication, especially in a fast-paced environment, to ensure alignment and efficient problem-solving.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: A collaborative spirit that bridges departmental gaps, ensuring design efforts are tightly integrated with marketing, sales, and leadership objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly outlines its core values. Candidates must demonstrate how their work ethic, attitude, and approach align with these values to be successful in this environment. The emphasis is on a high-performance, high-support culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Pace & Evolving Needs: Adapting quickly to new marketing campaigns, evolving brand strategies, and frequent design requests in a startup environment.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Delivering innovative designs while strictly adhering to brand guidelines and often tight deadlines.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the effectiveness of design work in terms of engagement, lead generation, or brand perception within the financial services context.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously learning and applying new design techniques and technologies to keep the company's visual presence fresh and competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Access to training and resources to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and explore new design software or techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to learn about the financial services industry and its unique design considerations.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by experienced marketing professionals and leadership within a rapidly growing firm.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement within the marketing function as the company scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section is framed to highlight growth potential. Overcoming these challenges will be key to demonstrating the "grit" and "growth mindset" the company values, leading to significant career development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a design under a very tight deadline. How did you manage your time and ensure quality?" (Assesses grit, time management, and ability to perform under pressure.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple design projects and platforms?" (Evaluates understanding of brand operations and attention to detail.)

• "Walk us through a marketing campaign you designed. What was the objective, your role, and the outcome?" (Tests ability to articulate process, impact, and results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does being an 'A+ Player' mean to you in a professional context?" (Gauges alignment with the company's high-performance culture.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to go above and beyond to help a teammate or achieve a team goal." (Assesses "Foxhole Team Member" qualities.)

• "What excites you about working for a fast-growing startup like Peak Retirement Planning?" (Probes "Rocketship Mentality" and enthusiasm for growth.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your creative solution, and the impact.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics (e.g., increased engagement, click-through rates, positive feedback) to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Highlight Process: Be ready to explain your thought process, software used, and how you overcame any design hurdles.

• Brand Focus: Emphasize your ability to understand and apply brand guidelines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that showcase your work ethic, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver results, directly mapping them to the company's stated values and the demands of a high-growth startup environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Peak Retirement Planning, Inc. careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest work in marketing collateral, digital content, and brand consistency. Select 2-3 key projects that best illustrate your ability to meet the role's requirements and align with the company's fast-paced, results-oriented culture.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, experience with marketing materials, and any experience in fast-paced or startup environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, showcasing your portfolio pieces with a focus on impact and results, and preparing answers to behavioral questions that demonstrate your alignment with Peak Retirement Planning's core values (A+ Player, Foxhole Team Member, Rocketship Mentality).

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Peak Retirement Planning, Inc., understanding their mission, growth trajectory, and the financial services industry. Be prepared to discuss why you are a strong cultural fit for their intense and driven environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.